Evidence & Evaluation Advisor

This post is open to applicants who can meet the College’s nationality, UK residency and vetting requirements., We look forward to reading your application for the role of Evidence & Evaluation Advisor
The selected candidate will:
+ Work to improve policing through providing expert research, analytical and subject matter advice to help ensure College products and services, and policing more broadly, are based on the ‘best available’ evidence.
+ Lead a programme of high-quality and value-for-money research, analysis and review activity in support of the College strategy and business plan. The current research programme involves Cabinet Office-funded evaluations of three interventions designed to reduce violence against women and girls. You will play a key role supporting the delivery of these projects while coordinating with the Cabinet Office and other stakeholders over the project cycle.
+ Proactively identify opportunities to develop the evidence base on priority issues in policing, or increase the capacity for research, analysis and review work that informs policing policy and practice.
+ Contribute to improving knowledge and practice within the Research, Analysis and Knowledge Sharing professional community.

Person specification
You will:
+ Identify strategic gaps in the evidence and provide advice on where research and analysis can add most value to inform prioritisation of research and analytical resources. Engage with Delivery Leads and wider College and external stakeholders to provide expert advice, and understand their evidence needs; translate unfocussed requests and ideas into effective research designs. Develop own knowledge of the policing landscape and specialist knowledge of the evidence base in the delivery area to be in a position to provide expert advice.
+ Lead the planning, designing and commissioning/conducting of research and analysis programmes to meet evidence needs of stakeholders, using appropriate methods including innovative approaches and complying with Government Social Research and College standards.
+ Quality assure research and analysis design and outputs, including analytical plans and reports to ensure they meet the required standards. Quality assure draft College outputs, including Authorised Professional Practice and guidelines, to ensure they are informed by the ‘best available’ evidence and do not include content that contrary to the evidence base.
+ Promote and ensure the appropriate use of evidence in decision-making and communications, performing a challenge function where required. Communicate complex research and analysis information both written and verbal to a variety of audiences, including senior non specialist customers, drawing out key facts and issues to influence decision-making and challenge policy and practice where necessary.
+ Provide strong, leadership for your team, motivate and mentor them through challenging situations and empower them to drive forward change. Promote continuous improvement and accountability for compliance with College policies and promote proactive wellbeing practices to ensure their continuing high performance.
To be successful in this role you’ll need:
+ To meet the eligibility criteria for Government Social Research Membership (see Government Social Research eligibility criteria - Government Social Research Membership and Eligibility Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
+ Evidence of evaluating and integrating research and analysis information from a variety of sources, coming to logical conclusions and communicating this effectively to senior non-specialists, assisting them to take on key findings and implications.
+ Strong analytical and conceptual skills and attention to detail.
Please see the attached job description which contains full details of the role.

Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Communicating and Influencing
+ Delivering at Pace
+ Making Effective Decisions
+ Managing a Quality Service

Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
+ Meets the Government Social Research competency framework for Principal Research Officers – Technical Skills
+ Meets the Government Social Research competency framework for Principal Research Officers – Using and Promoting Social Research, We want to continually improve our recruitment processes and to remove any barriers to equal opportunities that could disadvantage those from particular backgrounds. In order for us to have the information to do this, we ask you to please complete the diversity section of the online application process. We use a “blind” shortlisting process and we hope that by using this method we will be able to promote greater diversity in our workforce and remove any subconscious decisions based on biases.
The College is committed to support the Greening Government Commitment and reducing our Environmental impact. We have a dynamic Environmental Management Plan in place which encompasses various objectives, including our pledge to reduce business travel. To support our green agenda we have, in phase one, installed Electric Vehicle Charging Points at our sites in Ryton (12 points) and Harperley Hall (4 points) alongside two at our Harrogate office. We encourage employees to become an Environment Champion to help with promoting and delivering our Environmental Management Plan. Our One Step Greener approach encourages all College staff to make small changes to create a better future for everyone.
Please note that in order to work for the College of Policing you must have the Right to Work in the UK with indefinite leave to remain. In addition, you will also be required to provide an address history in the UK for the preceding 3 years
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

We’re the professional body for the police service in England and Wales. We work with everyone in policing to set standards, to share knowledge and good practice and to support the development of police officers and staff. Our mission is to drive a consistent approach across policing where the public and the service expect it, to boost professionalism and to improve leadership at every level.
Although we're a small organisation, our work has a big reach. We are uniquely placed to work both with national policing organisations and local forces to support frontline officers, staff and volunteers in their day-to-day roles.
We offer a supportive and inclusive environment for people to thrive. Our extensive flexible-working policy, employee wellbeing support, family friendly policies, employers’ network for equality and inclusion membership (ENEI silver award winners), and status as a disability confident leader means everyone can bring their whole self to work.

Alongside your salary of £50,490, College of Policing contributes £13,632 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
The College is a great place to work. We're passionate about our people and offer a wide range of benefits, including (but not limited to):
+ Defined benefit pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 27%
+ Up to 31.5 days holiday (this is in addition to 8 public holidays and 1 privilege day)
+ Continued professional development and structured career paths
+ Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
+ Flexi-time (for certain grades)
+ Benenden Healthcare
+ National Dental Plan
+ Discounts for on-line shopping
+ Free employee support line
+ Interest free season ticket loans
+ Rewards and recognition scheme
+ Learning and development tailored to your role.
+ An environment with flexible working options.
+ A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
We also have a number of thriving staff networks that provide the opportunity for advice, support and to drive change. A place to get your voice heard, share experiences and challenge our working practices to ensure equality of opportunity for all.
For more information about our benefits and staff networks, visit What we offer as an employer , College of Policing